stemware

thumb|18th century stemware from the museum at Frederiksborg Palace, Denmark

Stemware is drinkware where the bowl stands on a stem above a foot (base that allows to put the vessel down onto a table). It is usually made from glass, but may be made from ceramics or metals. The stemware is intended for cool beverages, like water or wine. The stem allows the drinker to hold the glass without affecting the temperature of the drink. The snifters represent an exception, as they are designed to hold the bowl in a cup of the hand to warm up the beverage.